SENIOR HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM

FEATURED STORY:

“I was always active, and never gave much thought to my health. But, about 7 years ago I found out I had diabetes. I tried to follow my doctor’s orders for diet, medication and exercise, but it wasn’t easy. Then I hurt my knee and that made it even harder to go out and do anything. I figured all of this was just part of getting older, but it made me feel tired and a little depressed. I heard about the Living Healthy program at my local library. I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. This wasn’t a lecture…it was an interactive discussion with brainstorming and sharing ideas. We were all helping each other and ourselves at the same time. I learned better ways to deal with my pain and fatigue. The relaxation techniques were great, and I still use them. I also learned about communicating better with my doctors and my family members and we talked about things like eating better, improving my strength and understanding new treatment options. This program has given me a new sense of being in control of my symptoms and my life, and that is priceless.” A.V.

The Senior Health Promotion program is designed to promote health and wellness among Nassau County’s elderly population. This includes a range of health and fitness programs along with medical assessments, health education, medication management, and the implementation of an evidence-based chronic disease self-management program.

Group classes, led by specialists in exercise, yoga, dancing, tai chi, creative arts, and music, promote physical activity, social interaction and mental acuity. Last year our programs were held at more than 40 senior centers, senior clubs and other locations in Nassau County.

Registered nurses provide ongoing, one-on-one health counseling and assessment. The Medication Management program, offered in cooperation with St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Professions, educates seniors about their prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Senior Health Promotion also administers Living Healthy, an evidence-based program for seniors living with a chronic disease or caring for someone with a chronic disease. Topics include dealing difficult emotions; healthy food choices; maintaining and improving strength and flexibility; effective communication with family, friends and physicians; and evaluating new health treatments.

Clients Served in 2013:1792Contact Info:50 Clinton Street, Suite 107
Hempstead, New York 11550
(516) 539-0150 ext. 109Funding:Program funding is provided by the Nassau County Office for the Aging .Program Contact:Angela Malone, Health Educator Angela.Malone@eacinc.orgProgram Impact:EAC’s Senior Health Promotion program was developed to support the outreach of the Nassau County Office for the Aging , serving the County's 257,000 residents age 60 and over. Currently, EAC oversees 69 ongoing health and wellness classes, plus a number of educational events. By promoting strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and emotional wellness, these programs contribute to increased independence and vitality as well as the decreased likelihood of disabling injury. Participants completing Six Weeks to a Healthier You have been shown to reduce the number of visits to physicians and Emergency Rooms, the number of days in the hospital and the number of hospitalizations.Purpose:Promotes health and wellness among the elderly population in Nassau County.